Recently at an automotive related event, a group of journalist discussed about whether they would recommend buying a Volkswagen today. Considering the amount of negative impressions caused by the premature failures of the gearbox and piston rings a few years ago, this question remains had a mixed reaction.
Since the management change and the VW brand being handled by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), we’ve seen various improvements made & VW models are a lot more reliable today. I can attest to this first hand since my 8-year old Mk VI Golf has been performing admirably once all the problematic components has changed.
My answer is Yes, I would and journos who’re either owners or has friends/relatives owning VWs share their confidence as well.
So when VPCM announced that they’ve now opened bookings for the all-new Arteon, I felt it was a timely move considering they took more than 3-years fixing their reputation. What I didn’t expect was them opting to introduce the top-of-the-line R-line Arteon which is powered by a 2.0L TSI turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), chugging an impressive output of 280PS and torque of 350Nm between 5,100 to 6,500rpm is transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Understandably the new flagship isn’t going to be cheap with an estimated price tag of between RM290k to RM310k. For that price, you get the new Active Info Display with high-resolution display colour thin-film transistor (TFT), the new 9.2″ Discover Pro infotainment system, a new 360-degree area view camera and is fitted with both interior and exterior R-Line styling package.
The immediate response by the public has been quite positive. Let’s face it; the Arteon is very sexy – so sexy that most don’t seem to mind the price which is already crossing to the premium line.
Returning to a premium position is what I’ve always advocated for VW. Any individual who wants an inexpensive vehicle to buy & maintain should just look for a Japanese/Korean equivalent. If you want a car that handles superbly with excellent fit & finish, then the Arteon can be considered.
But let’s not kid ourselves; for that asking price, you can almost afford a BMW G20 3-series (258hp/400Nm) if it’s driving experience you want, or the Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe (181hp/300Nm) for style or the C300 AMG (255h0/370Nm) for more power. All of them carry a premium badge.
But none of them would turn heads the way an Arteon would nor would it handle like a 4MOTION-equipped vehicle would. For those who have a RM300k-ish budget, those are reasons enough to sign the dotted line.
If you want an up close and personal view, the all new Arteon will be making an early appearance at Volkswagen showrooms. You can register your interest on the Volkswagen website for an exclusive invite.
Location details are as below:
| Dealer | State | Date |
| Volkswagen Juru | Penang | 27 – 28 July |
| Volkswagen Kuantan | Kuantan | 3 – 4 August |
| Volkswagen Tebrau | Johor | 9 – 10 August |
| Volkswagen Skudai | Johor | 13 – 14 August |
| Volkswagen Batu Pahat | Johor | 16 – 17 August |
| Volkswagen Melaka | Melaka | 24 – 25 August |
| Volkswagen Semenyih | Selangor | 7 -8 September |
| Volkswagen Balakong | Selangor | 14 – 15 September |
| Volkswagen Klang | Selangor | 21 – 22 September |
| Volkswagen Sg Besi | Kuala Lumpur | 28 – 29 September |
| Volkswagen TTDI | Kuala Lumpur | 5 – 6 October |
| Volkswagen Hartamas | Kuala Lumpur | 12 – 13 October |
| Volkswagen Gombak | Kuala Lumpur | 19 – 20 October |
| Volkswagen Puchong | Selangor | 26 – 27 October |
Inquiries and bookings on the all-new Volkswagen Arteon can be made at any authorized Volkswagen dealer nationwide. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my
Related Posts
2 Comments
Saw a red Arteon in Adelaide. It was stunning. Think this is the 2nd best-looking sedan/fastback around, after the new Peugeot 508. The 3rd best looker IMHO is the Holden Commodore / Opel Insignia.
It looks like Lexus…which is better, Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen Arteon?